Early Years Support Service

Early Years Support Service provides a vital early intervention program for mothers with new babies who are vulnerable due to isolation from family or friends, history of domestic violence, multiple births, mental health issues or disability in the family.

Operated by 3Bridges since 2015 this unique and free service has a 20 year history of supporting new and vulnerable mothers in the Sutherland Shire and St George areas. The service currently supports approximately 103 families across both areas and is managed by two experienced directors.

The home-based service is delivered by over 75 professionally trained and supervised volunteers. In recognition of the comprehensive volunteer  orientation and training framework, EYSS was the recipient of the NSW Volunteer Team of the Year Award in 2020 and 2023.

Volunteers are often parents, grandparents, or experienced early childcare workers. They provide a reliable, flexible and non-judgmental home visitor service,  building the confidence and parenting skills of their clients. Volunteers often function as an extended family support network,  providing early intervention through their weekly 3-4 hour home visits, often over an extended period of 3-12 months.

The Big Sister Foundation has supported the continuation and growth of the EYSS service over a 15 year long partnership. With the goal of reaching long term sustainability for the service, Big Sister provided ongoing funding, office premises and strategic advice leading to the organisation being fully funded and integrated into 3Bridges Community group in 2021